Dwayne Johnson is coming to Sydney to celebrate the live-action “Moana.”
Based on the 2016 animated film, the live-action “Moana” centres on a plucky teenager who ventures across the ocean to save her island and its people from a curse. Along the way, she receives help from the all-powerful deity called Maui.
Thomas Kail, best known for “Hamilton,” is directing the film, which stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Johnson as Maui.
Johnson revealed on social media that he’s embarking on a world tour in celebration of the new “Moana,” which begins this week “at home” in Hawaii.
According to the Hollywood star’s Instagram post, the ‘LIVE ACTION MOANA TOUR’ will stop in Shanghai, Sydney, London, Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo, with specific dates currently unknown.
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“It’s a big one (I think the biggest of my career),” Johnson wrote in the caption.
“Deep inhale, and an even longer exhale. Fatigue will set in, but in every city I’ve carved out my daily gym time, meditation time and tequila time.”
“I’m excited to sit and spend time with everyone to talk about the film, life, and Maui’s beautiful hair. See some old friends and make new ones too,” he added.
According to Disney’s website, Australian and Kiwis will get to first experience “Moana” when it arrives in cinemas on these shores on July 8.
Disney brought an extended look at the remake to movie theatre trade show CinemaCon earlier this year, where Johnson himself turned up to discuss his personal connection to his character.
“The animated version was just an amazing experience for us as Polynesian people. Maui has been with me for over a decade, and to have the opportunity to bring this powerful and vulnerable demigod to life means so much to me,” he said.
Johnson also revealed that the animated character’s look was based in part on his own grandfather — Samoan professional wrestler Peter “High Chief” Maivia.
Before introducing leading lady Catherine Laga’aia, Johnson said, “The hero of our story is not a princess, she’s a warrior.” He added that his role as Maui is to guide and empower her. “All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like.”
The original “Moana” was successful at the box office with $680 million globally, but the oceanic adventure really exploded in popularity on Disney+, where it’s remained one of the most watched streaming titles.